By Brian Campued
Malacañang has authorized the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to declare class and government work suspensions, especially during stormy weather.
According to DILG, Presidential Communications Office acting Secretary Dave Gomez confirmed that Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla has been allowed to issue such announcements “on behalf of the Cabinet and the Palace” during emergencies.
Remulla previously said that he would seek approval from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. regarding his request to be granted authority to suspend classes during typhoons, citing his experience as a governor of Cavite.
Work and class suspensions will be declared based on recommendations from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
“As NDRRMC Vice Chairperson for Disaster Preparedness, Remulla assured the public that announcements will be made at least a night before,” the DILG underscored.
On Monday, Remulla declared suspension of work in government offices as well as classes in all levels (public and private) in Metro Manila and nearby provinces in Central and Southern Luzon on Tuesday, July 22, due to persistent heavy rains caused by the southwest monsoon—the first time the DILG made such announcements.
The DILG, however, clarified that the Department of Education (DepEd) and local government units are still allowed to declare suspensions.
Under DepEd Order No. 22, s. 2024, classes are automatically suspended depending on the level of the tropical cyclone wind signal hoisted in an area by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Classes may also be suspended based on the heavy rainfall warning issued by the state weather bureau and upon the directive of the local chief executive.
The public is also urged to regularly monitor the weather conditions in their respective areas and follow orders issued by authorities.
“Mag-ingat po tayong lahat. Hindi man natin makontrol ang panahon, pero kaya nating maghanda. Alagaan niyo ang sarili niyo at ang pamilya niyo. Walang mas mahalaga kundi ang buhay,” Remulla said.
-av
